Why Cholesterol Test is Important?

High blood cholesterol means the changes for heart disease/attack is more. It is a high risk factor element. Heart disease is the number one killer of women and men across the globe.

How it works?

If Cholesterol (a fat-like substance) is too high in blood, it builds up in the walls of heart arteries. Over time, this buildup causes ‘hardening of the arteries’ so that arteries become narrowed and blood flow to the heart is slowed down or blocked. The blood carries oxygen to the heart, and lack of blood and oxygen to the heart causes chest pain. Once, the blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely cut off by a blockage, it resulted heart attack.

Cholesterol lowering is important for everyone–younger, middle age, and older adults, women and men, and people with or without heart disease. Everyone age 20 and older should have their cholesterol measured at least once every 5 years. It is best to have a blood test called a “lipoprotein profile” to find out your cholesterol numbers. This blood test is done after a 9- to 12-hour fast and gives information about your:

Total cholesterol

LDL (bad) cholesterol–the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries

HDL (good) cholesterol–helps keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries